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May 16
Hello and welcome to A Slice Of Soap. Coronation Street's assistant producer has been hinting at the forthcoming plotlines in the soap. Speaking to Digital Spy, Gavin Blyth first dealt with the issue of actress Julia Haworth's upcoming maternity leave, saying: "It would be all too easy to contrive a storyline to split Ashley and Claire up - but that isn't the case. After the trying time of last year, they are stronger than ever. But a disastrous house swap with Sally and Kevin could see them seeking sanctuary in the coming months... It's a very traditional, fun Coronation Street story with families and friends soon turning foes."
 OK. It's no secret that I find Ashley and Clurrrrrrrrrrr about as interesting as a blank piece of white paper or watching grass grow and I really wouldn't miss them if they weren't around, but don't you think Corrie are onto a loser from the beginning if hyping storylines around Ashley and Clurrrrrrrr is the best they've got to offer? I'd love to have been in that production meeting and I imagine it went something like this:
Corrie bod 1: "Someone's got to talk to the press about Ashley and Claire."
Corrie bod 2: "It's not my turn. I did the hyping for the 'dramatic' baby swap storyline."
Corrie bod 3: "Well don't look at me. I did the press for the 'dynamic' father/son bookies - Harry and Dan Mason."
Corrie bod 4: "Well don't look at me. I did the press for the 'dynamic' Morton family...what's Gavin done lately?"
The press release I have goes on to say: "As for Vernon and Harry's double departure, viewers wondering who's going to be keeping landlady Liz warm at night could be in for a treat, thanks to a complex love-triangle."
Oh whoopie-do! A 'complex' love-triangle with the town bike, the boring bookie and the failed musician. Hardly Steve/Karen/Tracy, is it?
Gavin Blyth himself states: "There's still plenty of time before Harry goes anywhere, so anything could happen. Though the spectre of Clarissa - Harry's ex - is looming large, so it may not be straightforward for Liz. It's fair to say that Clarissa isn't necessarily finished with Harry yet and the idea of another woman trying to snare him won't go down well. Liz may just find herself an archenemy before she finds herself another man."
I love Coronation Street, but come on guys! You can do better than this surely.....or can't you anymore?
Official Sites
Coronation Street
Emmerdale
EastEnders
Hollyoaks
That's it for now. Join me on Monday for a full preview of your favourite soaps. Got a comment about your favourite soap, this blog or anything else? Share it with me.
Ms Bubbles
MSN's Eye On Soaps
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May 14
Hello and welcome to another Slice Of Soap. So what are we making of Coronation Street's Carla/Liam/Maria love triangle?
 Personally, I don't think it's as strong as the Steve/Karen/Tracy one, but that's because Maria's a pretty ineffectual character. Don't get me wrong, she's nice and everything, but triangles work better when the one in the middle is caught between two dominant personalities. Liam's capitulation was as inevitable as EastEnders winning Best Soap at the British Soap Awards.
Why? Cos Maria's such a wet blanket compared to Carla; no prizes for guessing who's more likely to steam up the sheets! No wonder he didn't stop sniffing after her (dog in heat - that's what comes to mind). It's such a shame that Rob James Collier, voted Sexiest Male at the British Soap Awards, is bowing out. Hope he returns!
Anyway itv.com is offering Corrie fans the exclusive opportunity to watch scheming Carla finally get her man. The sexual tension between the pair has been growing and the tragic stillbirth has sent Liam into Carla's arms. He's caught (by mobile phone!) in a passionate clinch by Street minx Rosie Webster. She records the whole thing on her mobile – but what will she do with it? My guess is, learn some new moves - the little tramp! I say that in the nicest way possible....The episode airs this Friday, but for everyone who can't wait to see the steamy meeting, watch Rosie's video at www.itv.com/coronationstreet.
Crossroads Fans - Where Are You?
Who remembers Crossroads? My mum loved that soap! It was  about a Midlands hotel run by owner Meg Mortimer (Noele Gordon). Critics slated it for its storylines and wobbly plywood sets, but it was a huge hit. Everyone loved Paul Henry as bumbling Benny, the handyman who loved 'Miss Diane' from a distance and Noele Gordon was the most popular soap star of her day. Anyway, the earliest surviving episode has been found and will get an exclusive airing on itv.com this Friday, with the chance to buy it on DVD the week after. The 1965 episode was in an unmarked tin in the old ATV archive, which now resides in west London. They thought most of the episodes from the decade had been lost forever cos they used to tape over every episode after it was broadcast. But eagle-eyed archivists spotted the 'lost episode' and fans will be able to watch it online from Friday morning at www.itv.com/crossroads.
My mum insists that Crossroads didn't deserve all the stick it got from the critics. However, the mockery led to comedienne Victoria Wood's spoof soap Acorn Antiques which mercilessly parodied the wobbly scenery, fluffed lines and transparent scripts. For all the derision, Crossroads maintained high ratings and a loyal audience throughout its original 1964-1988 run. If you think you've got a lost episode of Crossroads, itv.com want to hear from you. They are interested in any recordings of episodes broadcast before 1982 - on videotape or could even on reels of film! If you think you've got any episodes, drop the team a line at lost.crossroads@itv.com.
Official Sites
Coronation Street
Emmerdale
EastEnders
Hollyoaks
That's it for now. Join me on Friday for more soap news and gossip. Got a comment about your favourite soap, this blog or anything else? Share it with me.
Ms Bubbles
MSN's Eye On Soaps
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May 11
Hello and welcome to A Slice Of Soap. Here we go....
EastEnders w/e May 16
Some EastEnders fans went wild over Aaron Sidwell and I must admit, I never could see it. I didn't think he was all that hot and I don't rate his acting skills either. In short, I'm glad Steven Beale has left Albert Square because his character went downhill and became totally unbelievable. So what's happening in the post-Steven, post-Gus era? Well, Roxy's got a date with the dishy doctor but her day is full of surprises, some more welcome than others. It's Lucy's first day back at school, but Ian's the one having trouble adjusting.
 Jane is pleased when Ian invites Christian back into their lives (oh no!). Liam's struggling at school, but Ricky's got high hopes for him and Bianca. Roxy's pregnant and keeps her secret from Ronnie. Wellard goes missing, but when he's found he's not made welcome. Heather's attempts at domestic goddess fall somewhat short when her and Shirley find themselves arrested after a boozy night out. Shirley and Heather are behind bars and both come to some life changing decisions. Shabnam and Zainab share an emotional moment when they question themselves, their relationship, their roles and their futures and Ronnie learns some devastating news.
Also on EastEnders this week:
Zainab panics because Uncle Imzamam is coming to visit
Christian causes chaos when he takes over Roxy's shift at The Vic
Dot and Tanya discover they have something in common.
Emmerdale w/e May 16
Oooooh did you see the news about Matthew Wolfenden who plays David Metcalfe? The People alleges that he's been playing away from home with Charley Webb, better known as Debbie Dingle. I don't know how much truth there is in this story (an Emmerdale spokesperson refused to comment), but I'll be watching the show very closely in the coming days. On to the action and Bob worries for Viv when she starts having nightmares about Freddie. Shadrach is surprised to find Gennie and Brenda at the door. Katie is disappointed when Jonny sides with Perdy and says he can't go to the engagement party. Bob is arrested for breaking and entering. Paddy shocks Nicola by saying her services at the vets are no longer required. Ashley and Laurel venture out into the village but immediately regret it as they begin to attract knowing looks from other villagers.
On the morning of the hearing, Ashley fails to convince Laurel to attend. Instead, she bumps into Greg and spends the morning with him looking through pictures of Daniel. Ashley remains cold with Laurel following her revelation the previous day. After confiding in her dad about the kiss with Greg, Laurel is upset when he takes Ashley's side. Meanwhile, Ashley goes looking for Greg but Edna persuades him to discuss his problems in church. Edna talks about her own experiences with Peter and warns Ashley not to abandon Arthur. Greg's concerns grow when he speaks to Mel's mother. Pearl is sick of being harassed about the cruise, but Lily is undaunted. Pearl shows Rodney her list of possible candidates and they discuss pros and cons.
Also on Emmerdale this week:
The Dingles persuade Brenda and Gennie to stay for dinner.
Nicola is unimpressed on her 30th birthday
Donna and Ross agree to help Viv
Coronation Street w/e May 16
Liam fans will be happy as it's a Liam-intensive week on Corrie.  Despite their previous closeness at the funeral, there is still clear distance between Liam and Maria. There's a triangle developing between Fiz, Julie and Kirk, but it's comic relief compared to the Liam/Maria/Carla triangle. Gail gets ready to meet her father Ted. Maria tells Carla that her marriage is over. Torn between the two women in his life Liam has a decision to make; does he go to Maria or go to bed with Carla? Gail is in shock over her father's announcement that he is gay. Later, when Audrey meets up with them, Gail can't resist dropping the bombshell news. Becky and Jason have their first row and it's the morning after for Liam. Maria tells him she wants them to register the baby's death so they set off together.
Tina's mother Anna barges into Gail's home, demanding to know what Tina is playing at. Liz is missing Vernon. Rosie sees a clinch between Carla and Liam, but the whole thing is on camera. Maria opens up to Marcus - she's missing Liam. Paul is feeling down about the thought of going to prison (yawn). Deirdre begins to notice Liz's affections for Harry (yawn). David is surprised when Gail arrives at visiting time with Ted in tow. Harry invites Liz out for a drink but she refuses (yawn), while Carla gives Rosie a designer bag in a bid to buy her silence.
Also on Coronation Street this week:
Audrey's new temp stylist is a young lady named Natasha
Tina announces that she is moving into David's room
Leanne lands a job behind the bar at the Rovers
Hollyoaks w/e May 16
It's no secret now that Hollyoaks actor Matt Littler has quit after more than ten years of playing mild-mannered Max Cunningham. He first appeared way back in 1997, but he'll bow out in July in a shock dramatic exit surrounding his character Max's wedding to Steph Dean. O.B will make a fleeting appearance - no surprise there. After all, Max and O.B. are the reigning champions of the British Soap Awards' Best On-Screen partnership gong. Talking of Max, his relationship with Steph hits rock-bottom as they clash over money issues. Warren finds out that Louise has been in a fight and is desperate to get her out of prison. He makes Darren an offer he thinks he can't refuse, but it seems even Darren isn't that desperate. Danny realises that he and Neville will never see eye-to-eye, but a loved-up Hannah insists she'll never let it come between them.
Justin promises to back Frankie's application for custody of Charlie if Jake confesses to murdering Sean. Niall persuades Steph to let him practice on her for the styling competition, but can't find the right time to tell her how he feels. John Paul and Kieron head back to Niall's flat for a night of passion, but as they get carried away, things take an unexpected twist. Darren worries that Jack is getting worse and Warren realises that Louise has changed; he is not sure it's for the better. Frankie is adamant that Jake is innocent and is determined to get to the bottom of his "confession".
Also on Hollyoaks this week:
Jake will have to spend the rest of his life in hospital
Warren refuses to give Darren the money until he is ready
Elliot can't forgive Sarah for ridiculing him with Professor Kiddle
Official Sites
Coronation Street
Emmerdale
EastEnders
Hollyoaks
That's it for now. Join me on Wednesday for more soap news and gossip. Got a comment about your favourite soap, this blog or anything else? Share it with me.
Ms Bubbles
MSN's Eye On Soaps
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May 09
Hello and welcome to today's edition of A Slice Of Soap.
According to the Daily Star, EastEnders bosses are apparently on the lookout for more hot male characters (ones with a body like the pic below, perhaps?). This is down to departures that has seen the likes of Matt Di Angelo (Deano Wicks) and, errrr, Mohammed George (who played our hero Gus Smith) leave. In addition, they're losing Aaron Sidwell (daft pantomime villain Steven Beale), Rob Kazinsky (Sean 'Shout!' Slater) and, eeeee, Joe Swash (Mickey Miller).
 Had to laugh when I read the Press Association write-up about this: "Joe, who plays Walford's resident dodgy dealer Mickey Miller, is the latest in a long line of attractive males to quit Albert Square..." I'd call Joe Swash's Mickey a lot of things (beginning with useless), but "attractive male" isn't really one of them. EastEnders executive producer Diederick Santer told the Daily Star: "It does mean we need a new 20-something fella. I'd like to see a new Wicksy style man arrive in Walford. A real charmer but a bit of a rogue at the same time. "It's a real shame to see Rob go, I would love him to stay and of course we will always welcome him back. He will go out in spectacular style."
It's a bit ironic that they're looking for a 'hot new man' because the best characters, the ones that fans still talk about to this day, weren't exactly what I'd call hot, stunning conventional lookers: the likes of Dirty Den, Grant Mitchell and even Alfie Moon are brilliant, charismatic characters but you'd never call them sex symbols. Anyway, it will be interesting to see who they come up with. Let's just hope that whoever it is, they make them a great deal more realistic than rent-a-villain Steven Beale.
First Friday without Gus Watch and I'm thinking of a replacement. I've had a suggestion for Dev Watch, which I'm considering. If you've got any ideas or preferences, let me know.
Official Sites
Coronation Street
Emmerdale
EastEnders
Hollyoaks
That's it for now. Join me on Monday for a preview of all the week's soaps. Got a comment about your favourite soap, this blog or anything else? Share it with me.
Ms Bubbles
MSN's Eye On Soaps
Don't miss a trick - Add MSN Reality TV Agent to your IM contacts
May 08
MSN's reality TV blogger is taking some time off so we're looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Big Brother fan to keep MSN users up to date with the latest news and gossip.
The successful candidate's duties will involve:
Posting up-to-date Big Brother news and gossip
Writing live blog entries, complete with opinion and reaction, as the daily highlights show airs on Channel 4
Detailing Big Brother spoilers, and recaps
Reporting on the content of sister shows (Big Brother's Little Brother, Big Brother's Big Mouth, Diary Room Uncut etc)
Conforming to MSN's editorial style
The successful candidate will have:
Good writing skills, including a grasp of grammar and the ability to proof and sub-edit your own copy
An informed opinion
A sense of humour
Initiative
This is not an office-based role; you must have the ability to work from home (i.e. computer with suitably fast internet connection) as most of the work will be out of office hours. Previous writing experience would be advantageous, but is not essential.
To apply candidates must write a short piece about Big Brother contestant Shanessa's time on the show, in no more than 200 words.
Applications, complete with name, age, contact details and occupation, should be sent to: msnukTV@hotmail.co.uk with the subject heading of Big Brother Blogger. The position will last at least four weeks from the first week of June, but there may be a possibility of more projects. Please bear in mind the level of commitment this show will demand before applying. Applications submitted without the required sample piece will not be considered and only the successful candidate will be contacted. The deadline is May 22, 2008 and applications will not be accepted after that date.
Good luck!
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